Manchester City complete Nicolas Otamendi signing on 5-year deal

Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi has been officially been unveiled as a Manchester City player on a 5-year permanent deal. The club confirmed on their official website that the defender will don the no.30 shirt this season. ESPN believe the transfer fee for the former Valencia man to be in the region of €45 million.

Otamendi was initially linked with a move to City’s derby rivals Manchester United but the defender chose to change his destination across the city. The big money transfer will lloko to shore up some defensive problems that the Sky Blues have faced in the past. Though, they do look solid this season with Eliaquim Mangala partnering Vincent Kompany, the coming of Otamendi is likely to make them stronger in that area.

Nicolas Otamendi made more defensive actions than any other player in the La Liga last season, consisting of 406 interceptions, clearances, blocks, according to Sqwawka. His spell at Valencia invited offers from several top clubs but Manchester City splashed the cash to ensure that he would be at the Etihad this season.

Speaking about his transfer to City’s website, Otamendi said: “I am here to give my best, to fight game by game and push City to the highest peaks for as long as possible, and I wish we will be able to win several cups and titles.

“That’s the most important. To be here inside a club that looks so wonderful from the outside is a dream.”

Since 2008, Manchester City have spent approximately £142.6m on centre-backs alone. #MCFC pic.twitter.com/tCLP1Xs3sf

— Über Sports Fact (@UberSportsFact) August 20, 2015

Martin Demichelis and Eliaquim Mangala now face stiff competition for their position in the first team as Vincent Kompany is not likely to be kept out, especially on his current form. The Argentine would ideally walk into the side but given that Kompany and Mangala have performed well as a partnership, may deter Manuel Pellegrini from immediately tampering with his defence.

The manager spoke about the quality of his new signing.

“Nicolas Otamendi was arguably the best defender in La Liga last season and so naturally I’m delighted to have added a player of his quality,” he said.

He went on to add: “He is an established international for one of the best nations in world football and I have no doubt that he has the right mentality to fit into a squad where he will find many familiar faces, including Eliaquim and Fernando who he played alongside in Portugal.

“As a footballer, Nicolas has all of the qualities to be a success in the Premier League– he’s strong, he’s excellent in the tackle and he’s very good technically.

“I am sure he will become another Argentine player our fans will enjoy watching.”

How to defend against Lionel Messi, by Nicolás Otamendi. Watch the ball, not the feet, make the tackle. #MCFC pic.twitter.com/2Z2cqkPQax

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 20, 2015

Apart from his Argentine teammates Pablo Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero, Otamendi has linked up with Mangala and midfielder Fernando earlier at Porto, they will all once again be playing for the same club, whether their rapport plays a part in their new association remains to be seen.